Junk removal question

**drewan** · 06-09-2012, 04:01 PM

I know scrap is part of the junk removal. I have been thinking about this after I got asked if I take furniture and the owner of the yard I bring scrap to suggested that I charge for it. I came up with some prices and wanted to run them by you guys and gals and see what you think of them? so here it goes.
The transfer station here charges: I'd charge:
65.00 per ton /1.00 per 30 gallon bag - 130.00/2.00
75.00 per ton construction material - 150.00
Mattresses:
Double 8.00 - 16.00
Single 4.00 - 8.00
Couch 8.00 - 16.00
chair 4.00 - 8.00
Tv 2.00 - ---
They charge for white goods also which I pick up free already. I have no clue what to charge for shed's but do these prices seem alright,to high or to low I will be using a full size pick up and a trailer the same size but about 1'-2' foot sides.
I'm open to all suggestions.
Thanks
drewan

**mikeinreco** · 06-09-2012, 09:02 PM

Are u going to estimate the weight of the trash??? I have been doing this awhile and usually just give an estimate and stick to it..........

**drewan** · 06-09-2012, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

Are u going to estimate the weight of the trash??? I have been doing this awhile and usually just give an estimate and stick to it..........

I was thinking of going this route,I know that if I have a full pick up of trash in bags it's 14-15.00 and a full trailer of construction mat. it's 30 some dollars so I have some what of a starting point there I'll learn quick if I loose money lol.

**mrsamsonite** · 06-09-2012, 10:01 PM

It depends on the client and the situation.

I have my normal prices: mattresses and couches $20 each. For big sofa chairs Id do $10. To me these are nice round numbers people will pay.

A lot of customers are looking for a deal and I will sometimes give them a deal depending on the situation. For example, if I am already at a location for something else, lets say 3 washing machine, and they ask for a lower price on 2 couches $40, I might do it for $30. If I am there and its convenient I might drop the price. Before you lower the price make sure that you explain to them all that is involved with disposing of the couch or mattress: gas, dump fee, time, etc. Or if they have a big load of stuff I will sometimes drop the price. I usually charge $120 to load my truck full and $200 for truck and trailer (8' X 4') but, if they insist on a deal I will do go down $20-$30 bucks to make them happy and play the game. Especially on Craigslist, sometimes it doesnt matter how low a price is for a good or service the customer wont buy it unless they are able to talk you down a least a little bit. I think its a psychological thing.

**Bear** · 06-09-2012, 10:38 PM

the dump here charges by weight

**divapickers** · 06-09-2012, 11:01 PM

Here's our Kijiji ad......

LOW COST AFFORDABLE JUNK REMOVAL

We always provides an honest, up front Free estimate and won't be beat on price!

* Save on truck rental, labor and dump fees *

Garbage, Old furniture & appliances, scrap metal, construction debris, etc.

Just point and we'll take it away.

Email text or call :
Quickee Services at
289-698-4748

We haul away for free.....TV's and all electronics. Yes even the old 6 foot long wooden stereo with record player. All scrap metal, trailers, cars, metal desks, Unwanted appliances,
lawn equipment, and tools,
swing sets, cars, steel desks, filing cabinets,
HOT WATER TANKS, TUBS, REBAR,
CAR PARTS, FURNACES, BED FRAMES, REBAR,
POTS & PANS. ANYTHING METAL.....etc is all free of charge also.

Now if you have decent furniture to get rid of. We charge $50.00 a truckload and this covers our expenses to get them to new homes.

And if there is anything left over, we'll haul it to the dump for $100.00

We always bring truck and trailer just in case.
We place the items we charge in the truck and the free items in the trailer.
That way our clients can see the money their saving and how much we are diverting from landfills right before their eyes.
We are all about recycling and upcycling where possible.

Prompt, friendly, and courteous service available 7 days a week . Most jobs can often be done the same day that you call.
When the job is done we'll tidy up and sweep up.

Quickee Services is a junk removal, trash removal, waste removal, rubbish removal, old furniture removal, appliance removal, mattress removal, remodeling debris & construction cleanup company.
Call now to book your appointment.
Quickee Services
289-698-4748

**Geiser093** · 06-09-2012, 11:16 PM

If you are just trying to make a few extra bucks whatever puts money is your pocket is fine.

However, if you are trying to make a serious run at making this into a business you need to consider your costs. I consider jobs like this in this manner.

My day rate is $200 per day.
My gas mileage is 15 miles per gallon or about $4.00 per 15 miles.
If I need a helper I usually pay $100 per day flat, or $10.00 per hour(I still charge $100)
Include any dump fees into cost.

If it is a short project I charge $70 upon arrival and $25 per hour for me, and $15.00 per for labor.

Now take this number and multiply by at least 1.20 and this will give you 20% profit.
You will need to profit to maintain the truck, purchase equipment and advertise.

If a job will take the better part of a day ($300 labor + $20 gas + $100 dump fee) * 1.20 = MINIMUM Bid or about $500.

The number one factor is you must be a professional and demand a fair wage for an excellent service. Always give them a little more than they pay for in the agreement. ASK for refferals and you will get them. If you act like an idiot that looks like he could use an old couch people will expect you to take and be grateful. Now if it is all metal I'll take it for free. If it is a large load or monthly, weekly, bi-weekly pick up I'll pay them.

**GeorgeB** · 06-10-2012, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by Geiser093

My day rate is $200 per day.
My gas mileage is 15 miles per gallon or about $4.00 per 15 miles.
If I need a helper I usually pay $100 per day flat, or $10.00 per hour(I still charge $100)
Include any dump fees into cost.

If it is a short project I charge $70 upon arrival and $25 per hour for me, and $15.00 per for labor.

Is this what you charge, even if it is just 1 client, and a very small job?

Just asking.

I ask them what exactly they need removed, and where they are located. Then I figure in my head, roughly how much gas and dump fees will be.

Then after giving them the price, I tell them that it is only subject to change, IF additional items are added.

**BurlyGuys** · 06-10-2012, 07:28 AM

I see a lot of guys on here are doing junk removal as well, and I feel you are selling yourselves short. Burly Guys would not be a viable business if I charged some of the prices i see on here. The going rate by me is about 30 bucks/cubic yard. I charge $425.00 to take away a full load in my 14 cubic yard truck. Sure I lose some, but I'd rather work half as much for the same amount of money. If you go to my website you'll see I have price comparisons on there between myself, 800 got junk and the Bagster.

Don't short change yourselves guys. You deserve to make a decent living and you are providing a valuable service.

**GeorgeB** · 06-10-2012, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by BurlyGuys

I see a lot of guys on here are doing junk removal as well, and I feel you are selling yourselves short. Burly Guys would not be a viable business if I charged some of the prices i see on here. The going rate by me is about 30 bucks/cubic yard. I charge $425.00 to take away a full load in my 14 cubic yard truck. Sure I lose some, but I'd rather work half as much for the same amount of money. If you go to my website you'll see I have price comparisons on there between myself, 800 got junk and the Bagster.

Don't short change yourselves guys. You deserve to make a decent living and you are providing a valuable service.

I take into account what I am removing, what it eights, how long it will take, if I need a helper or not, my gas cost, my dump fee costs, etc.

Unfortunately, you got guys in my neck of the woods that sometimes outbid me. Which I am fine with, but I don't see how they are making a profit at the same time. My landfill is the cheapest one around for 50 miles, and it costs $65/ton. If your weight is less than 2,000lbs then the price is lower of course.

I took a look at your website, and even though, I would like to charge that myself, I just can't. If I did, I would never get any work.

The way I beat it, is I donate anything and everything that is still usable, and doesn't need to be in the landfill, and I do as many pickups as I can.

**charn** · 06-10-2012, 10:41 AM

Chairs, couches and mattresses could be stripped for springs and other metal bits. The wood frame of a box spring could make a nice shelving unit. The scrap value may be offset by the biological aspects of old mattresses.

**GeorgeB** · 06-10-2012, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by charn

Chairs, couches and mattresses could be stripped for springs and other metal bits. The wood frame of a box spring could make a nice shelving unit. The scrap value may be offset by the biological aspects of old mattresses.

I can assure you for the little bit of metal in each of those, the headache of stripping them, is definitely not worth it.

**BurlyGuys** · 06-10-2012, 11:48 AM

Hey, George, take into account that 800 got junk's prices are standardized throughout the franchises, and they GET those prices, and they are much higher than mine. It's all in presentation and perceived value. If you appear and act professional you can command professional prices. My charges are considerably LESS than theirs, and yes, I do get a LOT of no thank you's, but I get a lot of business too.

If you charge nothing you will be busy all day long and die broke.
If you charge a medium price you will work very hard for your money, and probably not be able to save very much.
But if you charge what you are worth, you will work less and be able to save some money.
Who wants to work and earn only enough to pay today's bills? What about the future?

Take into account also that I am not operating as a solo practitioner. I have a crew and a warehouse and those expenses have to be taken into account. I could charge much less if I wanted to be one guy with a pickup truck, but I am trying to build a sustainable business that can support me into retirement.

I mean no disrespect to those of you who work alone, but do charge what you are worth.

MY WAGE

I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;

For Life is a just employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial's hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have gladly paid.

--J.B. Rittenhouse

**GeorgeB** · 06-10-2012, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by BurlyGuys

Hey, George, take into account that 800 got junk's prices are standardized throughout the franchises, and they GET those prices, and they are much higher than mine. It's all in presentation and perceived value. If you appear and act professional you can command professional prices. My charges are considerably LESS than theirs, and yes, I do get a LOT of no thank you's, but I get a lot of business too.

If you charge nothing you will be busy all day long and die broke.
If you charge a medium price you will work very hard for your money, and probably not be able to save very much.
But if you charge what you are worth, you will work less and be able to save some money.
Who wants to work and earn only enough to pay today's bills? What about the future?

Take into account also that I am not operating as a solo practitioner. I have a crew and a warehouse and those expenses have to be taken into account. I could charge much less if I wanted to be one guy with a pickup truck, but I am trying to build a sustainable business that can support me into retirement.

I mean no disrespect to those of you who work alone, but do charge what you are worth.

MY WAGE

I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;

For Life is a just employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial's hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have gladly paid.

--J.B. Rittenhouse

to me 1800gotjunk's prices are ridiculous. i am definitely not saying to not charge what you are worth.

i give people quotes all the time. i tell my wife that they either accept it or dont but i know what i need to charge to make it worth my time.

honestly, i dont think you prices are bad. better than most larger corporate ones for sure.

**mrsamsonite** · 06-10-2012, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

I can assure you for the little bit of metal in each of those, the headache of stripping them, is definitely not worth it.

I believe it is worth it to break down mattresses if you have the room to work. This is assuming that you are charging to haul them away and then instead of taking to the dump you break them down. You can get 2-4 per mattress if you break them down for the metal. Plus you save I would say another $2-4 (im estimating) in dump free per mattress. So, lets say that the benefit from taring down an old mattress is about $4-8 per mattress (the metal you get plus the money you save from not dumping). With a good utility knife you can tare those down in 10-20min.

I wouldn't advice to pick up mattresses for free just for the metal but, If you get paid to dispose of it and you have it go ahead and tare it down. I understand why some would decide not to tare down because some of the mattresses are pretty nasty. I would definitely recommend to wear gloves and a dust mask every time. Also if you dont have a lot of room at your place taring down mattresses isnt ideal.

**Bear** · 06-10-2012, 01:48 PM

Having done a lot of freelance work, I learned on jobsites that a person usually gets what they ask for, and is usually taken to be worth it. If a man walks onto the job and asks for $10 pay, that's what he'll get, and generally it will be expected that's just what he's worth. If another man walks onto the same job, and asks for $15, that's what he'll usually get, and be expected to be worth it, no matter if he doesn't know, or possibly do, half as much as the first one did. I know this theory has limits and exceptions, but definitely saw it in action over many years.

I actually saw this effect covered on a recent morning news story. I can't recall exactly if phones were the example they used, but 3 phones 1st @ $19.99, 2nd @ 29.99, 3rd @ $59.99, or possibly even larger differences than this, the most expensive was almost always expected by the majority to be the best.

These perceptions will only endure long term, extended life, as long as they are actually true, unless of course, the purchaser either doesn't know any better, or simply doesn't care.

An honest operation will give the best service possible, for the most acceptable price, and also will walk a fine line somewhere between undercutting yourself, and outright greed.

Size of operation also has a big effect, as one man will work harder making two loads, than will two men making one load (unless he's just twice as smart ; )

**Ptscrapper** · 06-10-2012, 03:22 PM

Burlyguys I love the knowledge and wisdom you bring to this forum I believe you are truly a businessman with good business sense, unfortunately everyone wasn't made to run a business.

**BurlyGuys** · 06-10-2012, 04:39 PM

Thanks, PT! :-) But then, how come I only get three little green bars? (Sob!)

**BurlyGuys** · 06-10-2012, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Ptscrapper

Burlyguys I love the knowledge and wisdom you bring to this forum I believe you are truly a businessman with good business sense, unfortunately everyone wasn't made to run a business.

Actually, PT, EVERYBODY on this forum is a businessman in one way shape or form. We have all chosen to be self-employed. We have each just made different amounts of progress, and that is why we are all here, to get the help we need, and give the help we can.

**mrsamsonite** · 06-10-2012, 05:22 PM

Well put burly. No one starts on the top. Some get there faster than others but everyone goes through the learning process. I think even the guy that starts on his first day can come up with great ideas and produce good information.

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